I’ve always dreamed of seeing the Walt Disney Animation Studios building in California. Just see it. Never in a million years did I even imagine that one day I’d actually have the opportunity to go *inside*…. but a few weeks ago that amazing dream came true!
During my trip to Los Angeles for the Oz The Great and Powerful premiere, I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at the making of Wreck-It Ralph – from the actual animators and team behind the movie! (Hello, Disney bucket list!)
Story
Our first stop of the day was learning about the storyboard process and early stages of creating the story. Raymond Persi took us through the process of creating the story of Wreck-It Ralph and Fix-It Felix using simple black and white images in its raw form. Fun fact: In the early stages, there was another “game” called ‘Easy Living 2″ featured in the movie.
Visual Development
This was probably my favorite part of our behind the scenes tour. Animators Mike Gabriel and Bill Schwab showed us the different versions of Ralph throughout the creative process. It was fascinating to see the actual artwork of what animators imagined him being and how he eventually transformed into the character he is today. Seeing the very first sketch of Ralph was really quite special.
Rigging
The best way to describe rigging is to think of a character in it’s skeleton form. The design team and “riggers” work together in building the body of the characters allowing them to move, bend and become lifelike on the screen. We were able to get some hands-on computer experience and make Ralph move on our own – I made my Ralph “walk like an Egyptian”, or at least I tried. Here’s a quick video I took with my phone –
Capture Stage
I wrote about the Wreck-It Ralph Capture Stage a few weeks ago – it’s a lot to grasp, but the camerawork involved in creating an animated film is unbelievable. What looks like an empty room is actually a full soundstage surrounded with television screens and mini cameras!
Animation
If you want to find someone passionate about their work, look no further than Disney animator Amy Smeed. She took us through her creative process in creating certain scenes (one of hers was Vanellope’s line of “Enjoy your tantrum, diaper baby?” with Ralph). I loved that she actually records video of herself reciting the lines to examine her own facial features and how it should play into a character. So much of what she does involves body mechanics – that’s truly what brings these characters to life.
Seeing the process it takes to make a film was truly fascinating. I’ve always had a love for Disney films, but after my day at the Animation Studios, I have an even greater love for their work.
The folks we met were filled with passion, love and a strong desire to create great movies – and they’ve done just that… and more!
For The Latest Wreck-It Ralph News
Be sure and “Like” Wreck-It Ralph on Facebook and follow the amazing folks of Disney Animation on Twitter at @DisneyAnimation.
Also, for the latest news, check out www.disney.go.com/wreck-it-
Wreck-It Ralph is now available via digital download and on Blu-ray DVD Combo Packs available on March 5th.
** Walt Disney Pictures invited me on this all-expenses paid trip as their guest . Thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own and not influenced by others. **
Comments
Tara
This was so fun! Amazing to learn the process!!!
Carrie with Children
Agreed! Such a fantastic day!
Jackie
That looks like it was a lot of fun! I love Disney movies too but I am more a fan of the ones that were actually drawn by hand.
Carrie with Children
It was a really fun day, Jackie! Thanks for reading!
Andrea Kruse
Wow! That would be a dream of mine as well. What an amazing time. Seeing how it all comes together is so fun, especially for a great movie like Wreck It Ralph. Thanks for sharing with us.
Carrie with Children
It was definitely a dream come true for me. Thanks so much for reading, Andrea!
Hanan (@LilacCityMomma)
My girls really want to see this one!
Carrie with Children
Oh Hanan – it’s a great movie for kids and adults! Brought back lots of great memories of my favorite childhood games!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell
I saw the storyboards of the film when it was still just black/white drawings and it was quite something!
Carrie with Children
Isn’t it fascinating to see these movies start from black/white sketches and turn into big, huge films?! So cool!
michelle
I am amazed! I knew it was a huge process, but I had no idea what was entailed! what an incredible experience! (i think your ralph does look like he is walking like an egyptian!) good job!
Carrie with Children
Yay! I’m so glad you think my Ralph was walking like an Egyptian! 🙂
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired
This is so neat! My daughter loves to draw and has been really intrigued by animation lately and learning how it works. I’ll have to show this to her.
Carrie with Children
It was so neat to go through each part of the process – the different Ralphs were my favorite!
Tricia
That is SO cool!
Carrie with Children
Thanks for reading, Tricia! It was a very fun day!
FiddleDeeAshley
This looked like it was so much fun!! I can’t wait to get the DVD. We never got to take the kids to see it in the theaters and I know they’re going to love it!
Carrie with Children
Oh Ashley, your kiddos are going to love it! Such a great movie!
Cassie
How amazing! I loved following along on this adventure.
Carrie with Children
So glad you enjoyed following along, Cassie! Thanks for reading!
Kerri @SavvyMomNYC
I need to see this movie! My girls went, but I missed it!
Carrie with Children
Oh Kerri, I hope you get to see it soon! It’s a really fun movie!